Currently Viewing: Daniel Zetterlund

In 2012, the Executive Board of International Aid Services (IAS) began the undertaking of a leadership search and transition plan for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) within the organizational structure of IAS. In February of 2014, after having evaluated numerous qualified candidates for the position of CEO, the Executive Board of IAS unanimously agreed that Daniel Zetterlund was to be offered the role of CEO for International Aid Services beginning January 1, 2015. The recommendation by the Executive Board was approved by the IAS General Assembly held in May of 2014.

As of May 24, 2014, Daniel Zetterlund has assumed the transitional duties of IAS Deputy CEO until the end of the year when he will accept the position of CEO for IAS beginning January 1, 2015. Daniel’s international management credentials and proven leadership skills have made him the perfect candidate for this position, and IAS is fortunate that Daniel has agreed to take on this new challenge of moving IAS forward in its organizational mission and vision.

The current CEO of IAS, Leif Zetterlund, after January 1, 2015, will transition into other leadership roles within IAS. IAS is excited to announce these new changes, and the organization wishes to extend our utmost appreciation and gratitude for the stewardship and leadership exercised by Leif Zetterlund during the twenty-five years of the organization’s existence. A solid foundation has been laid, and we look forward to continuing to build on that groundwork and expand our organizational capacity under the new leadership of Daniel Zetterlund.

Some months ago the UNMISS base in Bor, South Sudan, was a horrific sight with more than 17,000 people cramped in a very small space. Today it’s all very different, thanks to IAS staff.

-The camp is clean, water provision has improved and sanitation and hygiene is also greatly improved, says IAS humanitarian coordinator, Daniel Zetterlund.

Together with South Sudan country director Repent Taban he visited our ongoing intervention in the UNMISS base, The United Nation Mission, in Bor. IAS staff were the first to respond on 27 December 2013 and has been present continuously to this date.

– There has been no water related deaths for the last 5 weeks and we are very happy about the improvement. It’s clear that IAS has made a great impact here, many of the refugees are now even naming their kids Yakani after our program coordinator Yakani Hillary, continuous Daniel with a smile.

IAS team mobilized community leaders

The first thing IAS did when setting ground in December was to respond in water, sanitation and hygiene. But to do this effectively our team mobilized community leaders within the UNMISS base.

– They set up community structures capable of responding to the massive needs on ground. An ‘elders community council’ was established which serves as the voice for the people within the UNMISS base, says Repent Taban.

Linked to this council were a number of people who could also perform more technical duties. IAS also hired a number of volunteers and key staff who could take charge in the implementation of activities.

“We are now able to help people outside the UNMISS base”

During the time of IAS presence the town has shifted hands four times between Government and opposition forces. Today the Government is in control of the town and security has improved, albeit it remains tense and unpredictable.

– However, IAS believes it is now possible to do larger scale programming outside the UNMISS base, targeting Bor County and nearby surroundings. While still maintaining the good work inside the UNMISS base we also look at responding to populations outside; also ensuring neutrality and equal distribution of aid, says Repent Taban.

Facing challenges and providing hope

Some of the key challenges are the upcoming rains which is due to start around this time. Measures are though put in place to ensure that the people in UNMISS base can still be served throughout this season.

– Drainage systems are being constructed among others. IAS aims to continue to take a lead in water, hygiene and sanitation. The director of OCHA told us that IAS provides more then just aid, we also provide hope and that we will continue to maintain, says Daniel.

Today IAS run programmes and maintains staff/volunteers in six main categories:

This week we are having our International Management Meeting (IMM) in Nairobi, Kenya, 21-25 Oct 2013.

Our senior staff from North and South meet for sharing lessons learned from last meeting and the way forward as we plan for the next years to come… IMM is held twice a year and approx 25 people from senior positions attend these meetings. Will be great to meet face-to-face and skip the skype chats for some days.

Donate to the campaign Together #WeDigDeeper

Follow us on Mynewsdesk

Instagram

Facebook

Film clip

IAS is one of the Founding members of the CHS Alliance. The CHS Alliance leads and facilitates the development, promotion and maintenance of the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability CHS). The CHS sets out Nine Commitments that organisations and individuals involved in humanitarian response can use to improve the quality and effectiveness of the assistance they provide. More information can be found on www.chsalliance.org